Statement by Andrea Wong, Ph.D., Council for Responsible Nutrition (CRN)
In response to the Clean Label Project’s (CLP) 2024-2025 Protein Powder Category Insights Report:
“The Council for Responsible Nutrition supports efforts to ensure the safety and quality of dietary supplements, including protein powders. However, as we have noted in the past, reports like those issued by the Clean Label Project often lack critical context and risk misleading consumers rather than empowering them.
First, it is important to emphasize that the detection of contaminants, as highlighted in this report, does not inherently equate to a health risk. Modern analytical techniques can detect even trace levels of naturally occurring elements, such as heavy metals, which are present in soil, air, and water. These trace levels are often well below established safety thresholds set by federal agencies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
California Proposition 65, frequently referenced in CLP’s findings, imposes limits that are uniquely stringent and not aligned with federal guidelines. For example, it imposes a 1,000-fold safety factor below the level at which no harmful effects have been observed, and it requires labeling of products over that amount, not a ban on them. While CLP’s intentions to protect consumers are commendable, the lack of harmonization with FDA or EPA standards can result in unnecessary consumer alarm. CRN has consistently advocated for science-based federal standards that balance consumer safety with practicality and consistency across all states. Federal agencies regulate the manufacturing of food and dietary supplements, including testing and monitoring protocols for heavy metals.
The report's methodology also warrants scrutiny. CLP has not provided sufficient transparency regarding how products were selected, the criteria for contamination thresholds, or the interpretive framework for their findings. Without such clarity, consumers and industry stakeholders cannot fully evaluate the validity of the claims. CRN urges CLP to publish its findings in peer-reviewed journals and provide recommendations grounded in scientific evidence.
Finally, as we move toward ensuring safety and transparency, we must encourage a unified regulatory approach that upholds reasonable, evidence-based standards. Aligning state initiatives like Proposition 65 with federal guidelines would reduce confusion for consumers and manufacturers while maintaining public safety. CRN and its members remain committed to collaborating with stakeholders to promote rigorous, transparent, and uniform safety standards across the dietary supplement industry.”
